Processes and apparatuses for making cutting tool inserts
AssigneeKennametal Inc.
InventorsSteven A. Jameson, Michael R. Cripps, Christopher J. Smith, Terry Hammond, Robert K. Carlson, John Dummermuth
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process for the production of cutting tool inserts is described. A bottom punch is positioned into a powder compaction mold. A metallurgical powder is introduced into a mold cavity. A top punch is positioned into the powder compaction mold in an orientation opposed to the bottom punch. The metallurgical powder is compressed between the bottom punch and the top punch to form a powder compact. Also disclosed are cutting tool inserts produced in accordance with the process and powder pressing apparatuses for the production of cutting tool inserts.
Claims26
A process for the production of cutting tool inserts, the process comprising:
- positioning a bottom punch into a powder compaction mold, the bottom punch comprising:
- a bottom punch body,
- a bottom punch face located on a pressing end of the bottom punch body,
- an internal channel disposed in the bottom punch body and opening at the bottom punch face, and
- a core rod partially disposed in the internal channel, the core rod comprising a pressing end and a countersinking projection located on the pressing end, wherein the core rod partially extends through the opening of the internal channel and above the bottom punch face;
- introducing a metallurgical powder into a mold cavity formed by the powder compaction mold and the bottom punch;
- positioning a top punch into the powder compaction mold in an orientation opposed to the bottom punch, the top punch comprising:
- a top punch body,
- a top punch face located on a pressing end of the top punch body,
- an internal channel disposed in the top punch body and opening at the top punch face, and
- a core pin disposed in the internal channel, the core pin comprising a pressing end and a countersinking projection located on the pressing end, wherein the countersinking projection extends through the opening of the internal channel and below the top punch face;
- and
- compressing the metallurgical powder between the bottom punch and the top punch to form a powder compact.
A powder pressing apparatus for the production of cutting tool inserts comprising:
- a bottom punch body comprising a bottom punch face located on a pressing end of the bottom punch body, and an internal channel disposed in the bottom punch body and opening at the bottom punch face;
- a core rod partially disposed in the internal channel of the bottom punch body, the core rod comprising a pressing end and a counter-sinking projection located on the pressing end, wherein the core rod partially extends through the opening of the internal channel and above the bottom punch face;
- a top punch body comprising a top punch face located on a pressing end of the top punch body, and an internal channel disposed in the top punch body and opening at the top punch face;
- and
- a core pin disposed in the internal channel of the top punch body, the core pin comprising a pressing end and a countersinking projection located on the pressing end, wherein the countersinking projection extends through the opening of the internal channel and below the top punch face.
A cutting tool insert comprising:
- a top surface;
- a bottom surface;
- and
- a countersunk through-hole comprising a contiguous surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.